Page 17 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

Aaron

“Okay, gather in,”Coach Ford boomed across the field, and we all fell into line, forming a circle around him. “That was good, you’re looking strong. Cole, good job out there, son. You and Ezra are working those plays hard. But don’t become too dependent on him. Use your other players. Learn the plays. Memorize the shit out of them.

“We had it easy last week, but Marshall Prep are going to come at us hard Friday, and we need that win.”

“Hell yeah, we’ve got this, Coach,” I said, encouraging the rest of the guys to join in.

As captain it was my job to get them amped, to lead by example. I might not have been quarterback but I knew these guys. I knew every player’s strengths and weaknesses, every play in the playbook. For the last three years, I’d made it my mission to be indispensable to the team. I wanted to win; I was hungry for it. Football was all I’d ever wanted, and yeah, maybe I wasn’t the best. But I worked hard and gave my all. That had to count for something, right?

“Good, that’s what I like to hear. Okay.” Coach whipped off his ball cap and ran a hand through his dark hair. “Everyone hit the showers. Aaron, Cole, Ezra, a word please.”

I glanced at Ezra and he shrugged. It was still strange watching him play nice with the team, but it was a welcome change. Ashleigh was good for him, and football seemed to be the right kind of outlet for all his pent up anger and frustration.

“What’s up, Coach?” Cole asked when everyone else had left the field.

“Just wanted to check in. See how you’re all feeling about Friday’s game?”

“Good, I think we can do it,” I said.

“I think so too. But I’m going to need the three of you to lead the younger players, set an example.

“With Cole in a new position and Ezra new to the team, there’s been a lot of changes. Change can be a good thing, but it can also rock the foundations. I was pleased with how it went Friday, but we can’t become complacent.”

“We’ve got it covered, Coach. Right, guys?” I looked to Cole and Ezra and they both nodded.

“I’m not just talking about on the field. Being a Raider is more than that. It’s about the example you set off the field too. I know senior year can be kind of wild. Just don’t lose sight of the—”

“End goal. Have you been talking to my dad by any chance?” I chuckled, but it came out strangled.

“Ash told me he talked to you.” Coach Ford rubbed his jaw. “I’m going to level with you. Between the shit with Lily last year, and the stuff with Ezra and Nathan Carrick at the beginning of the semester, my limit on teen drama is at full capacity. I need the rest of the season to run smoothly. I’m counting on you guys to make that happen.”

His eyes pierced mine, making me shift uncomfortably on the spot. I had a lot of respect for Coach Ford. He was my dad’s best friend, not to mention an NFL legend. He’d played alongside some of football’s greats before his career was cut short by an injury. But he’d never once complained, entirely devoted to his family and his team.

The Rixon Raiders has gone from strength to strength under his leadership, growing to be one of the best high school teams in the country. That’s why we had to defend the championship this season.

Anything else was simply not an option.

But he was right, the team had gone through a lot of changes. We’d lost a lot of good players at the end of the summer. Experienced players who didn’t require tons of direction or hand holding.

“Consider it done,” I said, the weight of the words sinking inside me. I didn’t want to let anyone down. Not my team, and certainly not Coach Ford and my dad. Success with the Rixon Raiders was my legacy.

One I had every intention of fulfilling.

“Glad to hear it. Now get out of here and get to class. The last thing I need is Principal Kiln on my ass about my players being tardy.”

“He seems stressed,” Cole observed as we made our way toward the locker room.

“There’s a lot riding on the season,” I said. “He wants to win again.”

“Yeah, but come on, Aaron.” Ezra glanced at me. “It’s just a game.”

“Blasphemy.” I snorted. “Surely you’ve been in Rixon long enough you must know by now that it isn’t just a game, E.”

“Don’t listen to him,” Cole murmured.

“We’ll either end our final season as heroes, or we’ll be the ones who didn’t do it. I know which side of the line I want to be on.”

“You need to lighten up, Bennet. Go get laid or something,” Cole muttered. “I’m sure Zara would be more than willing to—”

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